UK-Based Charity Teach Madagascan Cooperative To Craft Face Masks

Women’s cooperative Stitch Sainte Luce have swapped cushion covers, purses, ties and bracelets for face masks to help with the coronavirus crisis.

UK-based charity, SEED Madagascar, have been carrying out humanitarian and environmental work in Madagascar for the last 20 years. Amongst the projects they have helped set up is women’s cooperative, Stitch Sainte Luce.

The women’s cooperative has taught embroidery, as well as business skills in maths, sales and English language, to over 100 women, so that they can produce and sell the products to help bring an income to families in the poorest country in the world, where almost 80% of the population lives on less than $1.90 per day.

The beautiful and unique handcrafted products, which Stitch Sainte Luce produce, are now sold online and include cushion covers, purses, ties and bracelets. Now however, the women’s skills are being put to another use. They are helping make much-needed face masks for those on the island, during the coronavirus crisis.

There are a number of ways to support the initiative. The products the women made before the crisis are still available to buy online, and all proceeds from their sale go directly to the Cooperative and helping with the production of masks. Visit the Stitch website to find out more.

Donations can be made directly to the Masks for Madagascar appeal, whether a financial contribution or, if you have the skills to make them yourself, 100% cotton facemasks.

You can find more details on the Masks for Madagascar appeal, ways to donate and how to make the masks here.